Sheena's Blog: Spring in the step

by Sheena Cumiskey
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04 March 2016

Spring has almost arrived and we are midway through the period of Lent. Spring is traditionally a time of growth and new beginnings, and we have our very own reminder of this, with the new CAMHS facility, Ancora House, taking shape on the Countess Health Park.

We recently welcomed a film crew from BBC North West Tonight, who aired a feature about the progress of Ancora House as part of their ‘In the Mind’ season of programmes exploring mental health. Dr Andy Cotgrove and Young Advisor Bella Cope were both fantastic in their interviews, and it was wonderful to have the chance to show how we are investing in the future - and how seriously we take the involvement of those within our services – on such a high profile platform.

Indeed, the development at Ancora House receives a mention in the latest edition of CWP Life magazine. This issue contains many wonderful examples of positive outcomes that have been achieved by staff and people who use our services, such as the recent successes of our award winning Street Triage team, and a fascinating feature about the Wirral Learning Disability Health Facilitators and their fabulous work in the local community. If you haven’t already, I’d really encourage you to read the latest issue of CWP Life.

Last week was Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which brought with it the launch of our brand new Eating Disorders Service website, CreatingHopeTogether.com. The website, which contains a host of online resources for people with an eating disorder, their families, healthcare professionals and the wider general public, includes a number of innovative features, such as dedicated ‘Cook-Along’ videos and a ‘Sanctuary’ area, providing a ideas for days out, crafts, games and relaxation techniques.

I’m so pleased that we’re now able to provide people with this vitally important resource. Studies show that more than 1.6m people in the UK are estimated to be directly affected by eating disorders, which have the highest mortality rates among psychiatric disorders. A huge well done to all those involved with developing the design and content of the site. And if you know anyone that may benefit from the information and support tools within CreatingHopeTogether.com, please let them know.

During March we will be looking for three people to fill three vacant seats on our Council of Governors. We need someone who accesses our services, or cares for someone who does, to fill a service user/carer seat; we need a staff therapist to fill our therapies staff seat; and someone who lives outside of Cheshire and Wirral (such as Trafford, Bolton, Warrington or Sefton) for our ‘out of area’ seat.